2009

I couldn't agree more. We've done well.

This is the first time I've seen such a variety of product available for us N scale types. Even so, we now have equipment that just hasn't been there in the past. Ie., El Capitain, Santa Fe Chief, AC12 (yet to arrive), California Zephyr and much, much more. Track in various codes and choices of prototype. A variety of locomotives that won't quit. Never mind DCC with sound.

Jerry, your layout has captured our attention as we watched it come together. You mesmerized us with the realistic looking water, in the bay. You held our attention with each addition and we still wait anxiously for what's next.

Yes, it's been a good year for N scale.

 

I'm very glad (or lucky) to end my 2-year model railroading lapse this year!

Aside from the other products mentioned, I'd like to add:

- BLMA releases rolling stock
- Fox Valley Models enters the locomotive fray with the GEVO
- Better N-scale products from multi-scale manufacturers (i.e. Exactrail, Athearn)
- A few new manufacturers
- MR ends their year featuring a much-talked about N-scale layout

 

I have to agree with the 09 releases for N-Scale. Locomotives I wanted for years:

• DD-40 something
• GG1 (was that this year?)
• Big Boy
• Aero Train, (sigh wanted 3 of them)
• Cab Forward, (coming soon?)
• Ya, couple of sweet I can't remember the name of passenger trains.
• and more.
• GEVOs from a new source in CP, yummy!

No, I didn't pick up any of this stuff but maybe in '10. Heck, I have enough stuff.

Odd, no, make that - interesting - that this all came out a time of an intense economic downturn with 5 percent of the US middle class jobs getting outsourced.

 

I agree with the above. I would like to add that Bachmann released a very able 44-tonner, and that FVM announced a 1935 Hiawatha!

 

As for new Passenger sets, well I tossed out the El Capitan as the idea for a new set with a few friends about 2 years ago and it came true, so if my luck holds I think the next new set will be the NYC 20th Century Limited. Not saying it will be 2010 because there is a chance that there will be a re-release of the Broadway Limited, or the Evening Daylight/Morning Daylight trains. My long shot would have to be the train I would love to have, the Southern Crescent.

That said, it has been both a good year and a bad year. Bad in that the economy went to heck in a hand-basket. Good in that many new things came to be in this last year like the Kato El Capitan, the ES4400 by both Fox Valley and Kato, the new MT profile wheels coming out. Atlas made an attempt with the Dash8 units with the ditchlights, while they did have shell fitment issues, it still was a step forward. Heck even Intermountain changed the passenger product completely without changing the prices by adding interiors and lighting.

There are amny other things that I will acknowledge that I missed, but I joined TrainBoard this year and it has been one of the best things for me. Jerry, your ATSF thread woke up the dormant Santa Fe guy in me! And there are many others with scenery and operations help.

So while 2009 is behind us, less look forward to a much less bumpy 2010 and hope that it allows us the time and the peace of mind to relax a bit and enjoy our hobby.

There may be a few new things that come out, but I am betting on having the time to work on the layout without worrying too much about the cash-flow. After all I still have a new baby to devote time to!

Happy new year everyone!

 

2009 was a great year. The Kato SD70Aces, BLIs E7s & E8s, the CC M-10000, and a lot more. Lets hope 2010 is just as suprising at 2009 was.

BLI already has the idea:
http://www.broadway-limited2.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1585

Brian

 

Yes I must agree with the statements made prior. Really makes one smile in anticipation of what's to come next year.

 

I agree, Jerry - and whilst we have some interesting projects in development in our freight car kits, I am also looking forward to some of the other products from others around the corner.

Best wishes to all Trainboarders for 2010.

Peter

Peter Harris
N Scale Kits
N Scale Kits

 

I must admit that I'm one of those that throws ice water on the fire most of the time. This year began amid a dismal financial malaise which I thought would certainly cause many hobby manufacturers to delay or even cancel some of their announced releases from 2008. But, this hobby seems to have quite a resiliency to bad economic news... and as you've mentioned... the releases and the announcements continued despite the gloom and doom of the economy. Hopefully the worst is behind us and the good times will continue to roll in our hobby in 2010 and beyond.

 

I agree, it was a good year in spite of the recession. Good year for diesel lovers too especially with the entry of FVM.
Hope 2010 will be even better.
Cheers

 

My El Cap arrived on December 30th, so I can add it to the good things of 2009, Kato have outdone themselves again. Also in the package were some Exactrail covered hoppers, the detailing on them is amazing and metal wheels as well. While drooling over the Broadways and El Capitans don't overlook the advances being made with N scale freight cars.

 

I couldn't agree more!

The RapidoTrains passenger cars set a new level of detailing.
FVM brought a lot of never made before cars (Milwaukee's RibSider!)
Kato had nothing for me, but their passenger car sets look really good.

And not to be forgotten: The US-convention in Germany which we attended the first time this year.

And ... our Operating Sessions were attended by 9 people on average - this is a 80% gain!

Have a good slide into 2010 (as we say here)!

Michael

 

I would like to also note my appreciation for the Rib-side boxcars that FVM has been releasing.

Also, my N scale club for the first time in three years or so didn't lose any members and we actually had an active membership the whole year through the fun stuff and the chores.